The making of a photographer to the stars: Lensman who grew up to work with Hendrix and Reagan's childhood in touching photos

It's a stunning collection that might inspire a new crop of photographers to turn to their families for subject matter.

Michael Jang, a well-known photographer that has worked with the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Ronald Reagan, is showing a collection of photographs that hits closer to home. In the 1970's, while still a student in California, Jang began taking photos of his Chinese-American family.

The photographs show the intimacy of family but also the suburban experience of the 1970's, a quintessential time for 'Americana' culture.

For Jang, who was influenced by the street photographer Lee Friedlander, the opportunity to capture his family proved fruitful. 'Every day was a new visual discovery.'

This collection of photographs will be on display at the Stephen Wirtz Gallery in San Francisco on May 2.

Suburbia: Jang's photographs showcase the typical American experience from families during the 1970's

The 70's were a time of changing mores for the nation

Jang was influenced by photographers Lee Friedlander and Garry Winogrand as he began photographing his family

The Jang's were living in the suburb Marysville in California

Football fan

Jang's cousins were crucial subject matter for him

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art acquired much of Jang's work earlier this year

Jang began his series of photographs as a student at Cal Arts

Though Jang is presenting a Chinese-American family what comes across is just how wonderfully American they are

Stolen moments

A pivotal figure for the 1970's was David Bowie

Forms of fitness were just starting to creep into America in the early 70's

Youthful indiscretions

Suburban solitude

Boys will be boys

Tee shot

For Jang each photograph was a new discovery about his family

California dreamin'

These photographs will be displayed at the Stephen Wirtz Gallery in San Francisco